Adeshola Ore, a Victorian state reporter for Guardian Australia, discusses the tragic case of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, which claimed six tourists' lives, including Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones. He highlights the dangers of bootlegged liquor and the urgent need for greater safety measures in Southeast Asia. The podcast covers the families' plea for accountability and justice while emphasizing the importance of awareness about the severe risks of methanol consumption for travelers.
The tragic deaths of two Australian tourists from suspected methanol poisoning highlight the significant dangers posed by bootlegged alcohol in Southeast Asia.
Families of the victims are urging local authorities to investigate and raise awareness to prevent further incidents related to toxic alcohol consumption.
Deep dives
Tragic Loss of Young Travelers
Two Australian tourists, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, tragically died from suspected methanol poisoning while backpacking in Laos. The pair had been enjoying what was meant to be a memorable trip when they ingested toxic alcohol, leading to severe health complications. After being served local vodka at a hostel, they became bedridden and ultimately required hospital treatment after failing to check out. These deaths have drawn attention to the dangers of bootlegged liquor in Southeast Asia, which poses risks not only to travelers but also to locals.
Health Risks of Methanol Consumption
Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol commonly found in bootleg spirits and can cause serious health issues even with small amounts. Unlike ethanol, which can be safely consumed in moderation, methanol is metabolized differently in the body and can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, brain swelling, and vision loss. Experts emphasize that symptoms can take hours to manifest, making it difficult for people to recognize poisoning until it’s too late. The estimated mortality rate can vary significantly, and many cases may go unreported, particularly affecting local populations in Southeast Asia.
Calls for Increased Awareness and Investigation
In the wake of these tragic incidents, it has become essential for travelers to be cautious about consuming alcohol while in areas known for methanol poisoning. Authorities have updated travel advisories urging tourists to avoid spirit-based drinks and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise. Families of the deceased have started initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol and ensure that such tragedies do not occur again. Investigations are underway in Laos, with families advocating for thorough probes to hold any responsible parties accountable and promote safer drinking practices in the region.
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones’s devastated families have pleaded with Laos authorities to get to the bottom of a suspected mass methanol poisoning tragedy. The Australians, both 19, are among six foreign tourists who have died in Laos. It’s not clear how the tourists came to ingest the suspected poison, but their deaths have started a conversation about the possible dangers of bootlegged liquor. Victorian state reporter Adeshola Ore tells Reged Ahmad what we know happened in Vang Vieng and why the parents of the teenagers who died hope their deaths are ‘not in vain’ You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
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